I got this idea when I fell asleep during a social studies final...

Disclaimer: (for the entire story) No, I am not JK Rowling, stop rubbing it in.

Dark Dreams
by Dancergirl51

Summary: Hermione had nightmares frequently. She had a potion, but when Snape refused to give her ingredients, she used a type of old magic. Her life changed dramatically when she realized that her "tattoo" not only was permanent, but deadly and dangerous. And not only to her.

Introduction:

Dear Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge,

When I agreed to do this- this memoir of sorts- I agreed to on three conditions set aside by Professor Dumbledore and myself:

1. This was only to be read by my eyes until I decided to let it be seen.

2. This was to be absolutely 100 percent honest. I could not let myself lie to myself or anyone else.

3. This was perfectly safe.

Little did I know, none of these were kept. So, naturally, my story got into the wrong hands. Actually, Minister, I'm getting ahead of myself.

This is my story of my life. Please don't hate me once you read this. I swear that things will make sense in the end. Just hear me out until then.

Sincerely yours,

Hermione Jane Granger

Chapter 1: Dreaming Again

Coughing, and breathing heavily, I ran. The footsteps matching my stride never let me more than a few paces away. The darkness settled around me like an electric blanket and I couldn't see where I was heading.

The road beneath me became rugged and uneven. I couldn't even see the rock in the road, yet I grimaced as I felt myself hit the ground.

With the whispering of the words "I've got you, now!" I awoke.

Ginny watched her friend's odd behavior. "Hermione, what's wrong?"

"I dreamt last night." I whispered.

"But-but what about..? But- your potion!"

"I finished it. And I can't make any more until I get more ingredients in Diagon Alley. Snape won't let me have more ingredients."

"That bastard!"

"Ginny!"

"Well, it's true! Why doesn't Dumbledore step in? Protect you?"

"I asked him not to," I got up, leaving my dinner to be inhaled by Ron.

I fought to stay awake that night. I tossed and turned for hours until I finally left the dorm. I walked carefully down the stairs and sat in front of the dying fire.

I watched it with a mild interest. I began to wonder how I had gotten there- to Hogwarts- and if I really belonged.

I pulled out a bottle of ink and a sharp quill.

I dipped it in the ink and began to draw. I drew right on my skin. Patterns, symbols, and swirls emerged. I worked quickly and silently.

As soon as my left arm was covered, I took out my wand and froze the images so they wouldn't smudge.

Then, my eyelids began to close. I blindly made my way back to my dormitory.

By the time I let myself collapse on my bed, I was already in a deep, dreamless sleep.

I woke with a hand firmly shaking my body. "Get up!" Ginny screamed in my ear. "You have five minutes!"

"Why didn't you wake me?"

"We were trying to!"

I ran into the bathroom, and put my hand under the stream of icy water. I scrubbed with all my power, but the designs wouldn't leave. My frantic scrubbing only wasted precious time.

When I heard Harry calling me, I threw on robes and grabbed my school bag. I raced down the stairs, taking them three at a time, and pulled both of the boys behind me as I sprinted to potions.

Of course. Potions.

Professor Snape eyed us evilly as we rushed in right before the bell rang.

"Fifteen points from Gryffindor."

"Why?"

"I dislike you."

I opened my mouth.

"-and, you were running. You are all red in the face, and out of breath."

I closed it. Harry looked like he was going to attack the professor, but only managed not to by the look on my face.

"What's wrong?"

I debated whether or not I should tell him. If I were to tell him about my arm, he would wonder about the dreams. And was he ready for my secrets? Was I ready for him to know? I decided at this time that he wasn't. I'm glad I did.

If I had told him- or you, Minister, at this time in my story- things would be a whole lot different.

And I like things how they are now.

"Nothing. Go fetch me a moonstone." I said. Harry left immediately to the store cupboard, as I knew he would.

But I still had to wipe a tear as he left. He was just too easy to fool.

Okay. Good? I hope so.

Please, no flames. Please? Hope you enjoyed it!

Dancergirl51